scholarly journals Is Biofeedback through an Intra-Aural Device an Effective Method to Treat Bruxism? Case Series and Initial Experience

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Kira Pfeiffer ◽  
Thaqif El Khassawna ◽  
Deeksha Malhan ◽  
Christine Langer ◽  
Barbara Sommer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Physiological Status ◽  
Initial Experience ◽  
Ear Canal ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Unpleasant Feeling ◽  
Ear Canals

Biofeedback was reported as an effective concept for bruxism treatment, through increasing patient’s awareness of the habit. During bruxing both ear canals become tighter, therefore, an in-ear device can provide biofeedback. The in-ear device is fitted to the ear canal in physiological status, during bruxing the ear-canal tightens resulting in stress on the canal walls and unpleasant feeling. Subsequently, patients stop their bruxing habit. The aim of this study is to provide first clinical evidence that in-ear devices have a positive impact on relieving bruxism in patients. Despite the low number of patients, this early study was designed as a controlled prospective study. The trial included seven female patients with a median age of 47.3 years (23–64 years). Only two patients implemented their devices for eight and seven months, respectively. One patient reported a relief in her symptoms, like headaches and pain intensity during the night, by 50% after three month and 80% after six months. Despite the limited number of participants, the study reflects a potential of Intra-aural devices as effective biofeedback devices in treating bruxism.

scholarly journals Outcomes After Dermal Allograft Reconstruction of Chronic or Subacute Pectoralis Major Tendon Ruptures

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596711774583 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Neumann ◽  
Christopher M. Klein ◽  
Carola F. van Eck ◽  
Hithem Rahmi ◽  
John M. Itamura
Keyword(s):  
External Rotation ◽  
Constant Score ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Tissue Quality ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Allograft Reconstruction ◽  
Tendon Reconstruction ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: Avoiding delay in the surgical management of pectoralis major (PM) ruptures optimizes outcomes. However, this is not always possible, and when a tear becomes chronic or when a subacute tear has poor tissue quality, a graft can facilitate reconstruction. Purpose: The primary aim was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of PM reconstruction with dermal allograft augmentation for chronic tears or for subacute tears with poor tissue quality. A second aim was to determine patient and surgical factors affecting outcome. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Nineteen consecutive patients (19 PM ruptures) with a mean ± SD age of 39.1 ± 8.4 years were retrospectively reviewed at 26.4 ± 16.0 months following PM tendon reconstruction with dermal allograft. Surgery was performed at 19.2 ± 41.2 months after injury (median, 7.6 months; range, 1.1-185.4 months). Several outcome scores were recorded pre- and postoperatively, including Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), as well as visual analog scale (VAS) (range, 0-10; 0 = no pain) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE). Range of motion, Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Simple Shoulder Test score, and complications/reoperations were recorded postoperatively. Results: Scores improved significantly for the DASH (preoperative, 34.9; postoperative, 8.0; P < .001) and VAS (preoperative, 5.0; postoperative, 1.5; P = .011). There was a trend toward improved SANE scores (preoperative, 15.0; postoperative, 80.0; P = .097), but the difference was not statistically significant, likely because of the small number of patients having preoperative SANE scores for review. Increased age was associated with higher VAS scores ( r = 0.628, P = .016) and less forward flexion ( r = –0.502, P = .048) and external rotation ( r = –0.654, P = .006). Patients with workers’ compensation had lower scores for 3 measures: SANE (75.8 vs 88.4, P = .040), Constant (86.7 vs 93.4, P = .019), and ASES (81.9 vs 97.4, P = .016). Operating on the dominant extremity resulted in lower Constant scores (87.8 vs 95.4, P = .012). A 2-head tendon tear (107.5° vs 123.3°, P = .033) and the use of >1 graft (105.0° vs 121.3°, P = .040) resulted in decreased abduction. Conclusion: This was the first large series to observe patients with chronic or subacute PM tendon tears treated with dermal allograft reconstruction. PM tendon reconstruction with dermal allografts resulted in good objective and subjective patient-reported outcomes.

scholarly journals Tendoscopic management of posterior tibial tendinitis

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-172
Author(s):  
Alberto Auellar-Avaroma ◽  
Ana Cristina King-Martinez
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Posterior Tibial Tendon ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Posterior Tibial ◽  
Important Improvement ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Cosmetic Outcomes

Objective: The aim of this study was to present a case series of patients undergoing posterior tibial tendoscopy, assess their clinical outcome, and describe surgical findings and treatment complications. Methods: This is a clinical, retrospective, observational study of 11 consecutive cases of tenosynovitis of the posterior tibial tendon. All 11 patients underwent tendoscopy of the posterior tibial tendon. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon in 2 different hospitals. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Results: All patients had their preoperative and postoperative AOFAS and VAS scores assessed. Both scores had an important improvement at 12 months that persisted at 24 months. Moreover, 72.72% of the patients were very satisfied with the procedure, and no patient reported to be dissatisfied. Additionally, 90.91% of the patients had no postoperative complications. The present results are consistent with those previously reported in the literature. Conclusion: Endoscopic or tendoscopic repair of the posterior tibial tendon is a simple and reproducible procedure that provides good functional and cosmetic outcomes with a low complication rate. It is important to increase the number of patients in this series in order to expand our conclusions. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.

scholarly journals Integrated care pathways in neurosurgery: A systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. e0255628
Author(s):  
Keng Siang Lee ◽  
Stefan Yordanov ◽  
Daniel Stubbs ◽  
Ellie Edlmann ◽  
Alexis Joannides ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Integrated Care ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The United States ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Care Pathways ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Integrated Care Pathways

Introduction Integrated care pathways (ICPs) are a pre-defined framework of evidence based, multidisciplinary practice for specific patients. They have the potential to enhance continuity of care, patient safety, patient satisfaction, efficiency gains, teamwork and staff education. In order to inform the development of neurosurgical ICPs in the future, we performed a systematic review to aggregate examples of neurosurgical ICP, to consider their impact and design features that may be associated with their success. Methods Electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched for relevant literature published from date of inception to July 2020. Primary studies reporting details of neurosurgical ICPs, across all pathologies and age groups were eligible for inclusion. Patient outcomes in each case were also recorded. Results Twenty-four studies were included in our final dataset, from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, China, Korea, France, Netherlands and Switzerland, and a number of sub-specialties. 3 for cerebrospinal fluid diversion, 1 functional, 2 neurovascular, 1 neuro-oncology, 2 paediatric, 2 skull base, 10 spine, 1 for trauma, 2 miscellaneous (other craniotomies). All were single centre studies with no regional or national examples. Thirteen were cohort studies while 11 were case series which lacked a control group. Effectiveness was typically evaluated using hospital or professional performance metrics, such as length of stay (n = 11, 45.8%) or adverse events (n = 17, 70.8%) including readmission, surgical complications and mortality. Patient reported outcomes, including satisfaction, were evaluated infrequently (n = 3, 12.5%). All studies reported a positive impact. No study reported how the design of the ICP was informed by published literature or other methods Conclusions ICPs have been successfully developed across numerous neurosurgical sub-specialities. However, there is often a lack of clarity over their design and weaknesses in their evaluation, including an underrepresentation of the patient’s perspective.

Analysis of Return to Sport and Weight Training After Repair of the Pectoralis Major Tendon

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (9) ◽  
pp. 2151-2157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph N. Liu ◽  
Anirudh K. Gowd ◽  
Grant H. Garcia ◽  
Brandon J. Manderle ◽  
Alexander Beletsky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Bench Press ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Return To Sport ◽  
Pectoralis Major ◽  
Functional Score ◽  
Repetition Maximum ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patient Reported

Background: The use of routine patient-reported outcomes after repair of the pectoralis major tendon (PMT) is often prone to the ceiling effect owing to the high functional demand of those who sustain this injury. Hypothesis: A significant number of patients are expected to fail to achieve return to preoperative activity after PMT repair despite achieving significant improvements in functional score. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A prospectively maintained institutional database was reviewed for all patients undergoing PMT repair from 2010 to 2016. Patients were surveyed with regard to pre- and postoperative participation in sports, level of intensity, maximum weight repetitions in exercises utilizing the PMT, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores. Results: Forty-four patients (73.3%) were available for final follow-up. All patients were male. Mean ± SD follow-up was 51.1 ± 24.1 months. Mean age was 39.6 ± 8.8 years (range, 24-61 years), and mean body mass index was 28.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2. The dominant side was affected in 20 of 44 cases. Acute repairs were performed in 30 cases and chronic in 14. There were statistically significant improvements in both ASES and SANE scores ( P < .001). Return to sport at any level was achieved by 43 of 44 (97.7%) patients, while 22 of 44 patients (50.0%) reported returning to sport at the same or better intensity as preinjury status. On average, there was a 23.3% ± 45.6% decrease in 1–repetition maximum (1RM) barbell bench press, 14.7% ± 62.3% decrease in 5–repetition maximum barbell bench press, 24.3% ± 21.8% decrease in 1RM dumbbell bench press, 35.7% ± 32.1% decrease in 1RM dumbbell fly, and 15.6% ± 39.8% decrease in consecutive push-ups able to be performed. Seventeen patients (38.6%) reported a degree of apprehension that affected their ability to lift weights. When all preoperative variables were accounted for, history of surgery to the contralateral shoulder (odds ratio, 0.600; 95% CI, 0.389-0.925) was associated with a decreased likelihood of returning to sport at the same or better level of intensity, while injury sustained during sport had a greater likelihood (odds ratio, 2.231; 95% CI, 1.234-4.031). Conclusion: Patients undergoing PMT repair should expect significant functional improvements and a low complication rate. Yet, only 50% are able to return to preoperative intensity of sport, and they will also have significant reductions in their ability to weight lift.

scholarly journals Case of Candida auris Identified From the External Ear Canal of a Healthy Minnesota Outpatient With Travel to South Korea

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s16-s17
Author(s):  
Brittany Pattee ◽  
Laura Tourdot ◽  
Amanda Beaudoin ◽  
Jennifer Dale ◽  
Jill Fischer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Environmental Samples ◽  
Mandatory Reporting ◽  
External Ear ◽  
Ear Canal ◽  
Candida Auris ◽  
External Ear Canal ◽  
Clinical Laboratories ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
Ear Canals

Background:Candida auris is a globally emerging, multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that causes healthcare-associated outbreaks and can be misidentified in clinical laboratories. Most US C. auris cases occur in hospitalized or long-term care patients with underlying medical conditions. Also, 4 global phylogenetic C. auris clades largely cluster geographically. Receiving health care abroad is a risk factor for US C. auris cases. In December 2019, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed Minnesota’s first C. auris case, isolated from the external ear canal of a healthy young adult outpatient with right-sided otitis externa. We describe the investigation and response for this uncommon US presentation of C. auris. Methods: The MDH initiated mandatory reporting and submission of confirmed or possible C. auris isolates in August 2019. The MDH Public Health Laboratory (MDH-PHL) confirmed C. auris by MALDI-TOF (Bruker) from an isolate submitted by a hospital laboratory as C. duobushaemulonii to rule out C. auris. The MDH-PHL performed broth microdilution antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST). The CDC Mycotics Diseases Branch laboratory performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS). The MDH epidemiologists obtained a patient history through interviews with healthcare staff and the patient, and they collected environmental samples from otoscopes. The MDH-PHL tested environmental samples by C. auris RT-PCR and culture. The MDH recommended disinfection of examination rooms and otoscopes and 3 months of C. auris surveillance for patients evaluated with otoscopes who later returned with otic inflammation. Swabs from the patient’s axilla, groin, and external ear canals were tested for C. auris by PCR at the MDH-PHL. Results: The patient reported recurrent right ear infections in 2016 during a 16-month visit to South Korea, with treatment in multiple ENT clinics. December 2019 otitis resolved after treatment with oral amoxicillin/clavulanate and otic ciprofloxacin/dexamethasone. AFST showed resistance to fluconozale and susceptibility to 8 antifungals, including echinocandins. WGS placed the isolate in the East Asian clade, indicating similarity to isolates from South Korea and Japan. Environmental cultures were negative. The asymptomatic left ear was colonized with C. auris; other sites were negative. As of January29, 2020, no additional cases were detected. Conclusions: We identified prolonged colonization of C. auris in the external ear canals of a healthy patient. WGS and travel in South Korea, including ENT clinic exposure, provide strong evidence of C. auris acquisition in South Korea. No spread has been reported in Minnesota. Deliberate communication with clinical laboratories regarding ruling out C. auris was key to case discovery. Clinicians should be aware of C. auris epidemiology, including healthcare exposure abroad, particularly in young, healthy patients.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

737-P: Positive Impact of Social Support and Diabetes Community Participation on Patient-Reported Outcomes

Diabetes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 737-P
Author(s):  
SARA SUHL ◽  
JONATHAN B. ROST ◽  
KEATON C. STONER ◽  
REBECCA GOWEN ◽  
CATERINA FLORISSI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Community Participation ◽  
Patient Reported Outcomes ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Patient Reported

Clinical Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Strongyloidiasis in a United States Urban Outpatient Dermatology Department: A Case Series

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 156-160
Author(s):  
Jacqueline Watchmaker ◽  
Sean Legler ◽  
Dianne De Leon ◽  
Vanessa Pascoe ◽  
Robert Stavert
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The United States ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Dermatology Department ◽  
Cutaneous Manifestations ◽  
Serologic Testing ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
History Of ◽  
Endemic Areas

Background: Although considered a tropical disease, strongyloidiasis may be encountered in non-endemic regions, primarily amongst immigrants and travelers from endemic areas.  Chronic strongyloides infection may be under-detected owing to its non-specific cutaneous presentation and the low sensitivity of commonly used screening tools. Methods: 18 consecutive patients with serologic evidence of strongyloides infestation who presented to a single urban, academic dermatology clinic between September 2013 and October 2016 were retrospectively included.  Patient age, sex, country of origin, strongyloides serology titer, absolute eosinophil count, presenting cutaneous manifestations, and patient reported subjective outcome of pruritus after treatment were obtained via chart review.  Results: Of the 18 patients, all had non-specific pruritic dermatoses, 36% had documented eosinophila and none were originally from the United States. A majority reported subjective improvement in their symptoms after treatment. Conclusion:  Strongyloides infection and serologic testing should be considered in patients living in non-endemic regions presenting with pruritic dermatoses and with a history of exposure to an endemic area.Key Points:Chronic strongyloidiasis can be encountered in non-endemic areas and clinical manifestations are variableEosinophilia was not a reliable indicator of chronic infection in this case series Dermatologists should consider serologic testing for strongyloidiasis in patients with a history of exposure and unexplained pruritus

Introduction of intraoperative neuromonitoring does not necessarily improve overall long-term outcome in elective aneurysm clipping

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (4) ◽  
pp. 1188-1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tobias Greve ◽  
Veit M. Stoecklein ◽  
Franziska Dorn ◽  
Sophia Laskowski ◽  
Niklas Thon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring ◽  
Neurosurgical Procedures ◽  
Long Term Outcome ◽  
Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms ◽  
Significant Difference

OBJECTIVEIntraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM), particularly of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEPs) and motor-evoked potentials (MEPs), evolved as standard of care in a variety of neurosurgical procedures. Case series report a positive impact of IOM for elective microsurgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (ECUIA), whereas systematic evaluation of its predictive value is lacking. Therefore, the authors analyzed the neurological outcome of patients undergoing ECUIA before and after IOM introduction to this procedure.METHODSThe dates of inclusion in the study were 2007–2014. In this period, ECUIA procedures before (n = 136, NIOM-group; 2007–2010) and after introduction of IOM (n = 138, IOM-group; 2011–2014) were included. The cutoff value for SSEP/MEP abnormality was chosen as an amplitude reduction ≥ 50%. SSEP/MEP changes were correlated with neurological outcome. IOM-undetectable deficits (bulbar, vision, ataxia) were not included in risk stratification.RESULTSThere was no significant difference in sex distribution, follow-up period, subarachnoid hemorrhage risk factors, aneurysm diameter, complexity, and location. Age was higher in the IOM-group (57 vs 54 years, p = 0.012). In the IOM group, there were 18 new postoperative deficits (13.0%, 5.8% permanent), 9 hemisyndromes, 2 comas, 4 bulbar symptoms, and 3 visual deficits. In the NIOM group there were 18 new deficits (13.2%; 7.3% permanent, including 7 hemisyndromes). The groups did not significantly differ in the number or nature of postoperative deficits, nor in their recovery rate. In the IOM group, SSEPs and MEPs were available in 99% of cases. Significant changes were noted in 18 cases, 4 of which exhibited postoperative hemisyndrome, and 1 suffered from prolonged comatose state (5 true-positive cases). Twelve patients showed no new detectable deficits (false positives), however 2 of these cases showed asymptomatic infarction. Five patients with new hemisyndrome and 1 comatose patient did not show significant SSEP/MEP alterations (false negatives). Overall sensitivity of SSEP/MEP monitoring was 45.5%, specificity 89.8%, positive predictive value 27.8%, and negative predictive value 95.0%.CONCLUSIONSThe assumed positive impact of introducing SSEP/MEP monitoring on overall neurological outcome in ECUIA did not reach significance. This study suggests that from a medicolegal point of view, IOM is not stringently required in all neurovascular procedures. However, future studies should carefully address high-risk patients with complex procedures who might benefit more clearly from IOM than others.

"Taming the Monster aka Uncontrolled Diabetes: A Viewpoint" (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Swati Anand ◽  
Amardeep Kalsi ◽  
Jonathan Figueroa ◽  
Parag Mehta
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Diabetes Management ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
The United States ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Dietary Compliance ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Uncontrolled Diabetes ◽  
Number Of Patients

BACKGROUND HbA1c between 6% and 6.9% is associated with the lowest incidence of all‐cause and CVD mortality, with a stepwise increase in all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality in those with an HbA1c >7%. • There are 30 million individuals in the United States (9.4% of the population) currently living with Diabetes Mellitus. OBJECTIVE Improving HbA1C levels in patients with uncontrolled Diabetes with a focused and collaborative effort. METHODS Our baseline data for Diabetic patients attending the outpatient department from July 2018 to July 2019 in a University-affiliated hospital showed a total of 217 patients for one physician. • Of 217 patients, 17 had HbA1C 9 and above. We contacted these patients and discussed the need for tight control of their blood glucose levels. We intended to ensure them that we care and encourage them to participate in our efforts to improve their outcome. • We referred 13 patients that agreed to participate to the Diabetic educator who would schedule an appointment with the patients, discuss their diet, exercise, how to take medications, self-monitoring, and psychosocial factors. • If needed, she would refer them to the Nutritionist based on patients’ dietary compliance. • The patients were followed up in the next two weeks via telemedicine or a phone call by the PCP to confirm and reinforce the education provided by the diabetes educator. RESULTS Number of patients that showed an improvement in HbA1C values: 11 Cumulative decrease in HbA1C values for 13 patients: 25.3 The average reduction in HbA1C: 1.94 CONCLUSIONS Our initiative to exclusively target the blood glucose level with our multidisciplinary approach has made a positive impact, which is reflected in the outcome. • It leads to an improvement in patient compliance and facilitates diabetes management to reduce the risk for complications CLINICALTRIAL NA

scholarly journals Patient Experience in Home Respiratory Therapies: Where We Are and Where to Go

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 555 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cátia Caneiras ◽  
Cristina Jácome ◽  
Sagrario Mayoralas-Alises ◽  
José Ramon Calvo ◽  
João Almeida Fonseca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Research ◽  
Patient Experience ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Specific Patient ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
Body Of Knowledge ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
System Sustainability

The increasing number of patients receiving home respiratory therapy (HRT) is imposing a major impact on routine clinical care and healthcare system sustainability. The current challenge is to continue to guarantee access to HRT while maintaining the quality of care. The patient experience is a cornerstone of high-quality healthcare and an emergent area of clinical research. This review approaches the assessment of the patient experience in the context of HRT while highlighting the European contribution to this body of knowledge. This review demonstrates that research in this area is still limited, with no example of a prescription model that incorporates the patient experience as an outcome and no specific patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) available. This work also shows that Europe is leading the research on HRT provision. The development of a specific PREM and the integration of PREMs into the assessment of prescription models should be clinical research priorities in the next several years.

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